Counsellor study reveals majority enjoying good-quality relationships

Relate and Relationships Scotland have published The Way We Are Now, a major study of the UK’s couple, family, friend, and work relationships.

The study presents the results of a representative survey of over 5,000 people across the UK and 250 Relate and Relationships Scotland counsellors and sex therapists and aims to offer an insight into our relational health in 2014.

Evidence suggests a number of people may be feeling isolated with one in 10 saying they have no close friends to turn to. However, the results show the vast majority of people enjoy good-quality relationships with families, friends, partners, bosses and colleagues.

Four in five people in a relationships enjoy a good or very good relationship with their partner with the majority saying commitment, honesty and communication are the top ingredients for sustaining a good relationship. Our relationships with friends are likewise generally in good health, with over 90% saying they have at least one close friend.

The shape of family life is changing with one in four people having experienced the breakdown of their parents’ relationship and many citing money worries as the biggest strain on relationships. Most people said they enjoy good relationships with their parents, although the strongest bonds are with mums rather than dads.

The survey also revealed some real areas of concern, one in four saying they are dissatisfied with their sex life, and worryingly, a fifth never or rarely felt loved in the two weeks before the survey.

People also report difficulties balancing work and family life with over a fifth thinking their employers would like them to be available 24 hours a day.

Overall the results show that those who benefit from better quality relationships are more likely to feel good about themselves. Nurturing and investing in relationships is therefore key to our national wellbeing, health, resilience, and productivity.

To download the study, visit: http://www.relate.org.uk/policy-campaigns/publications/way-we-are-now-state-uks-relationships-2014